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The definition of the second law of thermodynamics at the top is not right. A closed system can have energy put in from the surroundings to decrease entropy. On
by bocklund 8y ago
The definition of the second law of thermodynamics at the top is not right. A closed system can have energy put in from the surroundings to decrease entropy. Only isolated systems that cannot exchange energy with the surroundings follow the second law. Only the universe is truly isolated (see the common definition of the second law),
You decrease the entropy (disorder if you like, or not) of things by putting energy in.
- rocqua 8y ago> A closed system can have energy put in from the surroundings to decrease entropy. Then it wouldn't be a closed system anymore. What you call an isolated system is the same as a closed system. At least, in the common parlance of thermodynamics.
- bocklund 8y agoClosed means mass cannot go in or out. Heat and work can still be exchanged. See https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isolated_system https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isolated_system